Mrs Dolores "Salinas" Church, passed away peacefully at home just after 7:00 am on a beautiful Saturday morning, the 27th of April, in the year of 2024 at the golden age of 91 years. When her maker called she was willing and ready to go.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Armando and (Vivian) Viola Salinas, her husband of 52 years, Gene D Church, two daughters, Debra "Dittebrand" Smith and Brenda Salisbury, one brother, Robert Salinas, and two sisters, Juanita "Salinas" Johnson and Helen "Salinas" Dennis.
She is survived by three sons H. Lamar and (Kathryn) Dittebrand, Thomas and (Debra) Dittebrand, Richard A. and (Vicki) Dittebrand, step-daughter Gina "Church" and (Rick)Bahr, eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, four step-great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
Dolores had deep roots in Tampa. Her paternal grandparents, Enrique and (Marcella) Salinas were both born in Habana, Cuba. They immigrated from Cuba to Tampa, Fl. in approximately 1904. Enrique spent many years in the cigar industry and was a Union member. Later in life he built caskets in a little shop at Bosa's Funeral Home just down the block from the Salinas family home on Laurel Ave in Tampa. Dolores didn't speak Spanish and in her father's parents didn't speak English.
Her maternal grandparents Gettis and (Allie)Kersey were Hillsborough County natives. Both were from the Riverview area. Dolores mother was born in Ybor City and her father in West Tampa.
In 1950 Dolores was married to PFC. Harvey L. Dittebrand whom was stationed at MacDill Air Base. Harvey was from Cleveland, Ohio. Together Dolores and Harvey had four children, Lamar, Tom, Rick and Debbie Dittebrand.
Later in life she married again, to William Salisbury. Born in this marriage as daughter Brenda Salisbury.
Again later in life and single Dolores meets Gene D Church, a Tampa Fire Fighter. They had such good times they decided to give it a shot and get married. They were married for 52 years.
Dolores loved to be behind the wheel of anything that would get her down the road. Shopping was a daily adventure. If you had a need she would try to fulfill it. Always loved having friends and family visit.
Dolores loved tourist life. If it wasn't a road trip around the states it was cruise to somewhere different. She wasn't one to sit for long. She would always say you gotta keep moving.
During her life time she seen many changes in her hometown. When she was born in 1932 Tampa's population was approximately 52,000 people, today it's approximately 425,000 people. In 1932 Hillsborough County's population was around 88,250, today it's about 1.5 million people. That's a lot of change, a lot of cars, roads, houses, buildings, fences, people and signs.
Can't go without mentioning her love of animals and caring for them. Dolores and Gene both loved their animals. When they became empty nesters they got a dog. Then another and another until about 1/2 a dozen. They were loved and well cared for but alas they outlived the dogs. After the loneliness sets in again, they turn to rescuing stray cats in distress. Anyone that knows and loves Dolores Church knows "The rest of the story".
We all love and miss you Mom.
A visitation for Dolores will be held Thursday, May 2, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33610. A funeral service will occur Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM, 4207 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33610. A committal service will occur Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4207 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33610.
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